Helping NYC Churches Help Hurricane Sandy Victims

Wednesday, October 31st

Dear Antioch Church Family,

Earlier this year, our Pastors and Elders spent several days visiting churches and being mentored by leaders in the greater New York City area, including Brooklyn, Queens, Harlem, the Bronx, and lower Manhattan, along with the New Jersey and Connecticut suburbs. Here is an excerpt from an email I just received from one of them about the conditions in their neighborhood:

70 percent of the people in our city, Jersey City, do not have power. Right now on my block I hear people honking horns and screaming at each other - the streetlights are not working. I'm concerned about the people that are in the housing projects a few blocks from us, I think they might be flooded. Our pastoral staff all have power which is quite a miracle, and our church also has power - many of the people around us don't so that was definitely God. The roof on my house is partially damaged lots shingles missing, and the church roof is damaged from the rains - its a tar roof, water was leaking into the building in a couple of spots during the rain. There has been some looting. Thankfully no one is hurt from the storm or anything else. We have asked the congregation members that have power to take in those that don't temporarily, its in the 40's at night. Convoy of Hope is supposed to be coming but I'm not sure where the resources will be applied, I would like to be able to at least get diapers, milk/formula - I'm concerned for the babies. We kept our daycare open, the parents asked us too so at least their kids would have somewhere warm to be - the schools are all closed.

This is only the second day with no power and people are acting crazy - it's such a shame, but I expect it from non-Christians when they are scared. There's two guys fighting outside right now. Power is supposed to be out for 7 to 10 days, so I'm not sure how people will be acting a few days from now. Hopefully it will happen faster - not sure.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy's devastation, the relationships we established with these pastors and local churches offer us an unusual opportunity to give direct financial assistance to the storm victims in a way that also provides for their ongoing spiritual care.

This Sunday, we will be receiving a special offering for Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief. When you receive this email, I encourage you to pause for a moment and ask God what He would have you give. If you will be unable to attend our worship service, you can also contribute online via our church website by clicking here.

100% of what you designate for this purpose will go to help these congregations meet this need.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call my Administrative Assistant, Lauryn Everett, in our church offices: 972-392-3992 or email her at: leverett@teamantioch.com.

As an Antioch Church, God wants us to meet human needs in His name through radical generosity. Your gift of whatever size will help us do this. Thank you in advance for your giving!

Teresa and I love you and thank God for the privilege of serving you!

Pastor Mark